Cruise package – Canada and New England from New York

Plan a cruise package to Canada and New England, starting with three fantastic days in New York and a 9-night cruise from Cape Liberty Cruise Port, New Jersey, with Royal Caribbean.

Beautiful New England and Exciting Atlantic Canada

Explore the beautiful northeast corner of the USA, rich in history as one of the earliest English settlements of pilgrims in the New World” and with endless possibilities for activities and adventure.

New England cruise itineraries include some or all of Boston, Bar Harbor, Portland, and Newport cruise ports.

Enjoy the small-town charm and bustling cities. Discover where independent America all began. Then step out into the unique nature this area offers.

From the sandy shores and islands of the Atlantic coast to the lakes, forests, and mountain ranges inland, it’s easy to fall in love with the place.

Acadia National Park – a cruise highlight

One of the main highlights of this cruise is Acadia National Park, located on Mount Desert Island in Maine. Dominated by Cadillac Mountain, the highest peak on America’s east coast, you can walk the rocky shoreline and hike the trails as you explore.

This is our favorite corner of the continental USA.

Rugged Atlantic Canada

To the northeast lies Atlantic Canada, including the provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Québec. Cruise itineraries include Halifax, Sydney, Saint John, Prince Edward Island, and Québec City.

Different cruise lines and dates include some or all of these stops, so choose the itinerary to suit you! This will soon become one of your favorite and most diverse cruising experiences.

13-night cruise package to Canada and New England

Start your cruise package to Canada and New England with three days in exciting New York, then relax and unwind on a perfect cruise with Royal Caribbean Cruise Line. This package suggestion includes the following:

• 4 hotel nights in New York before your cruise
• 3 full days exploring New York City
• 9-night luxury cruise with Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas

Your cruising destinations are:

• New York (Depart from Cape Liberty, New Jersey)
• As sea cruising at sea on board Adventure of the Seas
• Boston, Massachusetts
• Bar Harbor, Maine
• Portland, Maine
• Saint John, New Brunswick
• At sea cruising onboard Adventure of the Seas
• Halifax, Nova Scotia
• At sea sailing onboard Adventure of the Seas
• New York (Cape Liberty, New Jersey)

A flight journey with fewer stops is often worth the extra cost

Book a ticket with as few stops as possible unless you want to stay overnight in another city on the way to New York.
There are two main benefits to doing this, and it is often worth paying more for this option:

1. It will shorten your overall journey time there, minimizing the effects of lengthy jetlag
2. There will be fewer opportunities for your baggage to be lost by the airline

If you fly to your cruise port, we recommend booking a changeable and refundable flight ticket. Cruise lines can change their itineraries or cancel sailings, and you may need to amend your flight ticket accordingly.

Check the terms and conditions that apply to your flight ticket before you purchase. Remember that tickets offering the lowest price can often be inflexible. Avoid tickets that are non-refundable and non-changeable.

Transport: Tips for arrival transfer from the airport to the hotel

If your flight arrives in the middle of the night, you must also book that night’s accommodation. This ensures that you have room to check in directly upon arrival. Just inform your hotel of your estimated check-in time. If they think you are a no-show, this will prevent your room’s release.

If your flight arrives early, contact the hotel before you travel for early check-in. Otherwise, most hotels have a check-in around 2 pm.

We may also want to consider booking an airport transfer directly with the hotel when you make your accommodation reservation. It may be worth the cost, especially if you are more than two people.

Each hotel we recommend offers a transfer service from the airport to your hotel (for a fee). 

Where to stay: 4 nights pre-cruise in New York

We recommend hotels in Manhattan located in Midtown and Downtown Manhattan, where most visitors choose to stay. In particular, we love the Downtown neighborhood around Greenwich and Soho.

To find more information about transfers and hotel recommendations in New York, read our “Cruise from New York” guide.

If you are not already, join the hotel members program before you travel and take advantage of any freebies at check in, preferential rates, promotions or exclusive offers. For example, if you are a member of the Hilton Honors program it's free of charge and you can start earning bonus points from you very first visit. Our perk when we checked in was bottled water in our room, welcome cookies, and breakfast included free for the kids. 

Your itinerary: 4 nights in New York + 9 nights in Canada and New England Cruise from New York

Day 1: Arrive in New York

Arrive at one of the three main airports servicing visitors to New York, having booked your flight with your favorite airline.

Transfer to your hotel following our advice on our New York page.

Check in to your hotel, or if your room is not ready, leave your luggage with the concierge. Explore the immediate area around your hotel. You’re in the most exciting city in the world!

Day 2-4: Exploring New York

Spend the next three days exploring New York. Follow our detailed itineraries, or do as little or as much as you like of our suggestions. You are sure to see much more along the way!

If you want to see a Broadway performance, the concierge at your hotel should be able to help you. But remember, the most popular shows are often sold out long before performance dates. So if a show is on your bucket list, book in advance before you leave home.

Day 5: Check-in day for your cruise!

If you have not booked a pre-arranged transfer, ask your hotel to book a taxi to get you to your departure port.

Your port name and check-in time are on your cruise ticket. Ensure you get to the correct cruise port terminal and get there in time!

• Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean
• Name of Ship: Adventure of the Seas
• Start Date: June – October. (Cruise dates and itineraries are subject to change at any time. Check with Celebrity Cruises at the time of booking)
• Cruise Port: From Cape Liberty, New Jersey 

Remember to download the Royal Caribbean app before you travel. This app is really a must-have now, it makes everything so much easier and smoother both before and during your cruise. Using the app, you can check in online, see all activities offered on board so you don't miss out on the fun, book specialty dining or shore excursions, keep in touch with friends and family you are travelling with on board (the app works without internet access!), and you can even checkin for safety drills. Download it before you leave home.

Days 5 to 14: Cruise Canada & New England (9 nights/10 days)

Cruise Day 1: New York (Cruise Port Cape Liberty, New Jersey)

Check-in for your cruise at Cape Liberty, New Jersey. Climb aboard Adventure of the Seas and discover this gorgeous ship, your new home for a while.

The junior suite with a balcony is ideal for two adults and two teenagers. There is suitcase storage under the bed and good wardrobe space. The balcony helps in making the cabin feel even more spacious.

Once you’re in your cabin, relax, unpack, and unwind. Explore the ship or grab a bite to eat. Then don’t miss the sailaway experience on deck. If you’re lucky, perhaps your captain will sail past Lady Liberty twice for a great close-up.

Cruise Day 2: At Sea

Spend your first day at sea relaxing on board your cruise ship. Check the Royal Caribbean app to see scheduled activities and join in as much or as little as you want to.

There is always a lot going on, but at the same time, this is your chance to relax after a few hectic days in New York City. So you can do precisely as you please.

Familiarize yourself with the ship, check out the dining options, book a massage, or relax by the pool. If you’re sporty, there is rock climbing, ice-skating, surfing on the Flowrider, or mini-golf. Or perhaps some retail therapy in the shopping mall.

Cruise Day 3: Boston

The cruise ship will spend the day in Boston Harbor, ensuring you have time to see as much as possible. The harbor is adjacent to the city, and Royal Caribbean’s shuttle bus gets you to the city center in about 12 minutes.

The shuttle bus drop-off point is often opposite Legal Seafood on State Street, close by the Boston Marriott Long Wharf. From here, we walked everywhere without using local buses or trains. Opt to stay in the city and do a self-guided tour, or join one of the fantastic excursions further afield.

Walk straight up State Street from the wharfside until you reach Old State House. Now a museum, it was the original seat of the colonial Government. Nearby you find a pavement marker to mark the site of the 1770 Boston Massacre.

From here, make your way to Boston Common to the start of the Freedom Trail. The 4 km walking trail tells the story of the American Revolution and beyond.

You can do the walk yourselves. Download a brochure of all the 16 sights to see here, or join a tour group. The guides are exceptionally knowledgeable, and it’s a great way to discover your love of history.

Break for lunch at the fabulous Quincy Market, three buildings under one roof with excellent food, snacks, and shopping. Try a lobster roll, clam chowder, or Boston Cream Pie.

Finish the day by shopping at Macy’s before returning to your cruise ship. All in all, a memorable day in the heart of Boston.

Cruise Day 4: Bar Harbor, Maine

Another great day awaits, this time in Maine. Disembark at Bar Harbor, located on Mount Desert Island. This is a tender port, meaning the cruise ship will anchor at sea. You will be transported to the harbor in tender boats.

In Bar Harbor, it is possible to have a fabulous day without paying for a cruise excursion. At the harborside, there is a little blue Visitor Information booth where you can pick up town maps.

A highlight of your trip will be a visit to Acadia National Park. Cross the road and head up Main Street, taking your time to explore the town and browse the charming shops.

Turn right at the Village Green onto Firefly Lane. Just along the road on the right-hand side is the Arcadia National Park and Island Explorer information. Talk to the park rangers. They can give you maps and information about which hike would suit you and your family. There are trails from easy to difficult.

Just across the road, right opposite, climb on the bus to take you to Sand Beach. From Sand Beach, you can hike the Great Head Trail.

Back in the town, leave time to try the lobster out on the Terrace Grille of Bar Harbor Inn & Spa. It’s a great spot to sit and enjoy the view of your cruise ship anchored offshore.

End your day with a scenic walk along Bar Harbor Shore Path before returning to the harborside to catch the last tug boat back to the cruise ship.

Cruise Day 5: Portland, Maine

As you disembark the ship in Portland, you will easily find the Visit Portland Information Center at Ocean Gateway Pier. Pick up a map of the town there. The staff can also give you information about excursions if you do not have anything pre-booked.

You can even download a visitors guide before you leave home here.

The Old Port waterfront has warehouses converted into restaurants and shops worth exploring, as is the historic town.

However, our recommended way to spend the day is with an excursion to the Portland Head Light on Cape Elizabeth. This historic lighthouse and navigation museum is located along a beautiful coastline in Fort Williams National Park.

Alternatively, book a boat excursion with a local lobsterman. While boating through the waters of Casco Bay, you will be pulling lobster traps and learning all about conservation efforts. This is also a great way to see the historic forts and lighthouses along the coast. And have a fun lobstering experience.

Cruise Day 6: Saint John, New Brunswick

As you cruise into Canadian waters, you will most likely have passport control on board the cruise ship.

Saint John is a fantastic stop on your cruise. Whether you love the great outdoors or are a history enthusiast, this place has everything.

Start your day by heading towards Market Place, a fantastic open-air space to sample the local produce. This historic waterfront area is host to numerous events throughout the year.

If you and your family love to hike, then about an hour away is the Fundy Trail. It’s a picturesque hike along coastal paths and waterfalls. Walk the suspension bridge over the Big Salmon River.

Alternatively, visit the outstanding Stonehammer Geopark. You can zipline, kayak, paddle canoe, or join a guided walking tour.

Don’t leave without visiting the Skywalk – a rooftop observation platform with a glass floor. Learn about Reversing Falls Rapids and see this fantastic phenomenon close up.

Cruise Day 7: At Sea

Cruise Day 8: Halifax, Nova Scotia

It’s easy to explore the town of Halifax yourself. The visitor information center is at 1655 Lower Water Street. After you exit the cruise arrival terminal building, go right and follow the boardwalk. Pick up maps and speak to local guides at the information center.

We recommend purchasing hop-on/hop-off bus tickets and heading to the Maritime Museum next door.

Located in Nova Scotia, eastern Canada, Halifax has one of the largest harbors in the world. Today, it is an important Atlantic seaport. History, however, forever links the city with the Titanic disaster. As it was from Halifax that boats were sent to help recover victims of the sinking disaster in 1912.

The Maritime Museum has all kinds of artifacts from the Titanic to see. Use your bus tickets to visit the Fairlawn Cemetary, where many of the recovered bodies from the Titanic are buried.

Back in the town, there are vintage vinyl shops, great shopping, and boardwalk eateries famous for their seafood to visit.

Two of the best day excursions from Halifax that you may want to consider are a whale-watching expedition or a visit to Peggy’s Cover.

Enjoy exploring the fantastic marine life along the coast with a whale-watching expedition. You have a good chance of seeing whales in the surrounding Nova Scotia waters.

Next, a visit to Peggy’s Cove is a popular excursion. This rural fishing community is located on the eastern shore of St. Margarets Bay. The surrounding area and walking trails around Peggy’s Lighthouse are beautiful and well worth a visit.

Cruise Day 9: At Sea

Cruise Day 10: Return to New York (Cruise Port Cape Liberty, New Jersey)

Disembark at Cape Liberty. Head back into New York to extend your stay if you have booked extra hotel nights. Or transfer back to your airport with Royal Caribbean’s bus for your flight home.

Book your transfer in advance at the same time you book your cruise. Seats on airport buses can become full. Remember, if you have a morning flight to take you home, ask the cruise line for an early checkout. This will ensure you get on one of the first transfer buses.

Royal Caribbean have also announced 7-night cruises for 2023 to Canada and New England starting and ending in Boston! So if you are interesting in spending more time in Boston, start your cruise from here instead and book 3 or 4 nights at a hotel in Boston. You will cruise on board Voyager of the Seas.